Annotation
This course will introduce you to the history of East- and Central European animation under socialism. Starting from the exploration of what animation is and how it differs from live-action filmmaking, we will proceed to identify the key specifics of its production circumstances and its status within the system of state-controlled media.
Through seminal works of animation, we will learn about the variety of techniques and styles that developed in the region. Animation will be approached as a discursive field exposing the complex interaction of political interests, social dynamics, aesthetic practices, and production conventions.
The focus of the seminar will be subverted by including also an excursion outside of its scope: the most recent production of the up-and-coming Ukrainian animator Dana Kavelina. A special emphasis will be given to issues of spatiality in animation.